Electrolux Design Lab 2011 finalist Adrian Mankovecký is the Slovakian designer behind the Spot Cleaner, a portable cleaning concept. Adrian is a student at Academy of Fine Arts and Design Bratislava.

What was the inspiration for your concept?
I find the inspiration an everyday life. One day I dressed in my favorite shirt and few minutes later I had a coffee stain on it. It was unnecessary to put it into the washing machine because it was only a small blemish. Then I started to think about a portable cleaner to solves this problem.

How does your concept fit into the theme of intelligent mobility?
Mobility is the base function of this concept. It is designed for use anywhere. The spot cleaner removes stains. Control is very simple so everybody can use it. This concept makes cleaning simple, quick and flexible.

Why would a consumer want to own your concept (what are its main benefits)?
This concept is designed for people who are travelling a lot. The portable spot cleaner is an original project that you can use anywhere in the world. Four pre-installed cleaning programs are available for quick use. The small size makes it easy to transfer. A combination of steam and negative ions is used within the cleaning proces, which is very ecological because it uses little electricity and recycled materials. If you have a stain on your favorite clothes you do not have to look for a place where you can wash it. With the portable spot cleaner you can do it anywhere.

Describe the consumer research behind your concept?
I researched stains. The most frequent spots are food stains, coffee, ink and oil. I have divided the problem into 2 parts: travelling and first aid. Many people try to take fewer clothes when they are travelling. However, the probability of getting a stain is big and clothes with some stains are useless. In many motels and aparthotels they don’t have washing machines. A futher reality is that when someone travels for business they usually only take one suit and are likely to get it dirty. First aid is the last problem. There are stains which must be cleaned as soon as possible (e.g. blood). Conclusion of this research was to create portable cleaner that can be used anywhere and anytime.

What kind of materials would you use to build your concept?
For black parts I would like to use black recycled plastic and for white parts ceramic that would be easy to clean and not heated by the steam which arises during cleaning.

Who is your favorite designer?
I don t have just one but Konstantin Grcic is one I admire.

What are your career goals?
I want to be a designer for a corporation that produces products that helps people to make their lives better and easier.